ORGANIZATION: Family Pathways

POSITION TITLE: Shelter Advocate

***This position is part-time, evenings & weekends.

TYPE: Full Time | Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Shelter Manager

SALARY: Commensurate salary with experience and Family Pathways pay structure

ORGANIZATIONAL MISSION: Family Pathways works with communities to develop supportive, caring relationships to help people meet their basic needs. This is done by offering a safety-net of essential services.

POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Shelter Advocate is responsible to provide crisis intervention, direct service and systems advocacy for individuals residing in a domestic violence shelter setting. It is expected Shelter Advocates’ job performance will incorporate the practice and promotion of Family Pathways guiding principles: trust, collaboration, communication, integrity, respect, positivity and creativity.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Programming (55%)

• Provide emotional support, advocacy, crisis intervention and information and referral to callers on the 24 hour crisis line.
• Assess callers for appropriateness for the shelter.
• Complete intake forms with all new residents within 24 hours of entry into the shelter; orient residents to the shelter facility; explain expectations of residents in shelter and inform resident of services offered.
• Provide trauma-informed and empowerment model services to residents. Assume positive intent.
• Effectively “triage” priorities and multi-task as needed.
• Utilizing a Primary Advocate approach, coordinate and provide case planning and personal/legal advocacy for residents.
• Collaborate with agency staff to review resident cases and make recommendations to aid in resident success.
• Plan and facilitate resident groups and activities: support, parenting, illness management, house meetings etc as needed and directed.
• Assist and support residents with non-violent forms of problem-solving, crisis management and conflict resolution utilizing de-escalation skills when necessary to ensure a safe environment.
• Disperse resident medications according to policy.
• Provide transportation for residents when necessary.
• Develop and maintain listings of available community resources/referrals and act as a liaison between those resources and residents as needed.
• Maintain professional boundaries, confidentiality and integrity of sensitive information always.
• Role model positive behavior, interactions, conflict resolution etc for the residents and with other staff.
• Offer support, assistance to and inclusion of volunteers.

Shelter Operations (30%)

• Provide a welcoming, peaceful, healing environment for residents.
• Know, communicate and execute shelter procedures.
• At the beginning of each shift, update the Day One database and make changes during shift as shelter census changes.
• At the beginning of each shift, conduct a shelter walk-through to ensure resident safety and check on facility needs.
• Report needed repairs to supervisor. Assist in up-keep of the shelter and grounds. Complete minor repairs.
• Maintain cleanliness of the shelter common areas, Advocate office and other areas as needed.
• Prepare resident rooms for new intakes which might include: cleaning/sanitizing the room, packing and storing resident belongings, making beds, doing laundry.
• Assist with organization of food and supplies.
• Assist with organization and transportation of donations.
• Attend and participate in all staff and supervision meetings, trainings and in-services as required.

Community (10%)

• Greet visitors, callers and donors, handling their inquiries or directing them to the appropriate person according to their needs.
• Receive, record, thank and organize donations. Financial contributions must be given to supervisor immediately.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with community partners.
• Participate in outreach and awareness efforts and public speaking engagements as directed.
• Participate in local multi-disciplinary teams as directed.
• Professional behavior, dress and conduct are expected in all aspects of work with residents as well as contact with the community.

Administration (5%)

• Complete documentation to assure compliance with agency standards and funder expectations. Complete necessary electronic entries and all agency required forms in a timely fashion.
• Comply with funder, state and federal rules, laws and regulations.
• Complete agency forms to document critical incidents or injury, notify supervisor immediately.
• Adhere to and promote Family Pathways organizational, program and personnel policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned and work as a team member with staff, volunteers and administration.

Required:

• College experience in human services or two years related experience in case management or residential services
• Experience working with people who are managing crisis
• Ability to work a rotating schedule

Preferred:

• College degree in human services or related field

Qualifications:

• Familiar with trauma-informed, client-centered, strength-based and empowerment models
• Experience providing advocacy to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
• Sensitivity and knowledge of the issues regarding domestic violence and sexual assault
• A team player committed to advancing vision, mission, values and team’s guiding principles
• Demonstrated passion to work with diverse and/or low income populations, including those experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, domestic violence and/or mental illness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information and confident matters
• Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills; excellent listening skills
• Organized and works well under pressure and manage multiple projects/deadlines
• Must have a dependable vehicle, a current and valid MN state drivers license and proof of insurance
• Position requires ability to sit for extended periods of time, close vision, ability to adjust focus and see color
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Family Pathways is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.